Lead

Abstract

Lead (atomic no. 82) is a bluish-white metal of bright luster, is soft, highly malleable, ductile, and a poor conductor of electricity. It is very resistant to corrosion. It belongs to Group IV-A of the periodic table, has an atomic weight of 207.19, melting point of 327.5°C, boiling point of 1,744°C, and specific gravity of 11.35. It has oxidation states of II or IV. Lead has four stable isotopes, 204Pb(1.48%), 206Pb(23.6%), 207Pb(22.6%), and 208Pb(52.3%). Two radioactive isotopes 210Pb (t½ = 22 years) and 212Pb (t½ = 10 hours) are used in tracer experiments. The chloride and bromide salts are slightly soluble (about 1%) in cold water, whereas carbonate and hydroxide salts are almost insoluble.

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